Not all of Massachusetts 351 cities and towns allow the sale of cannabis. While 38% of Mass. municipalities do not allow its sale according to the Cannabis Control Commission, Franklin does. That said, if Question 8 in the upcoming November 3 election passes, Franklin would feel the impact, as the legalization, regulation and taxation of the retail sale of adult use marijuana would be eliminated.

Local Town Pages asked Franklin Town Administrator Jamie Hellen what will happen if Massachusetts voters pass Question 8 this fall.

"For us, it's actually a pretty big impact," says Hellen, noting the two dispensaries, Botera and NETA (New England Treatment Access), the latter of which has its corporate headquarters in Franklin. The town, he explains, receives $450,000-$500,000 a year in what is called a cannabis excise tax, the 3% local tax option Franklin adopted in 2017. Franklin, then, would stand to lose a big chunk of that amount to its annual budget.

In addition, "Jobs are big impact," says Hellen, noting many Franklin residents are employed in the industry, and if businesses take such a hit, "the value of those commercial properties could decline.

"Because Franklin was on the forefront of this really early, it's been one of the biggest economic development stories. It was good for new growth," he says.

Laura O'Callaghan, President of the Tri-County Chamber, notes that the passing of "Question 8 could have a very real economic impact on businesses right here in our region. The Tri-County Regional Chamber currently has two members in the cannabis industry - Botera, located in Franklin, and Joint Operations located in Mendon. If recreational cannabis sales are eliminated in Massachusetts, these businesses will be significantly affected. These are established local businesses that have invested in their communities, created jobs, hired local vendors and contractors, paid taxes, and spent years navigating the regulations required to operate in Massachusetts. They are also active members of our community. We see firsthand how they give back by donating funds, supporting local organizations and events, volunteering their time, and stepping up when our communities need support. That community involvement is another important part of their overall economic and local impact that shouldn't be overlooked."

She adds, "The impact doesn't stop at the dispensary doors. These businesses work with accountants, attorneys, marketing companies, security providers, contractors, landlords and many other local businesses. There is a ripple effect that needs to be considered when talking about eliminating an entire legal retail market.

"For us, this isn't simply a conversation about cannabis. It's also a conversation about local businesses, jobs, community involvement, investments that have already been made, and the economic impact a major change like this could have on our communities," she says, noting that she hopes, as a Chamber, to impart the potential impact of such a change on local business and livelihoods.